Celebrating life at Barchester

Dog lovers, owners and enthusiasts came together last Saturday for a successful dog show held at Marriott House & Lodge, celebrating the wonderful variety, companionship and talents of dogs.

This year’s dog show had 15 dogs attending and featured eight entertaining categories from “Best Rescue” to “Waggiest tail”; as well as “Best trick” and “Best veteran” amongst others. Entry was free for all who came to cheer on the furry competitors, who were up for champion prizes like rosettes, certificates and a goodie bag.

The show provided an opportunity for dog owners to showcase their pets while also bringing together members of the local community who share a passion for dogs. Particular congratulations go to the winners and runners-up in the various classes, who received rosettes in recognition of their achievements.

Operations Manager, Skye Williams said: “Our residents and staff love our popular annual dog show and to have a chance to watch and judge the dogs was very special for everyone. We’ve had a great afternoon meeting our furry friends and their families from the community. Our doors are always open if they ever want to stop by again for a visit.”

A resident at Marriott House & Lodge said “it was a tough choice awarding best pup because they were all so affectionate and friendly!”

 Weystone Manor Care Home in Woking has revealed a historic family connection to Woking’s most celebrated sporting icons uncovering a unique professional partnership right in the heart of Surrey’s care community.

The premium 62-bed care home has named one of it’s four residential areas ‘Sir Bedser Lane’ honouring legendary cricketing twins, Sir Alec and Eric Bedser. Sir Alec and Eric grew up in Horsell and became icons of Surrey and England cricket in the 1950s.

A connection came to light through Weystone Manor’s collaboration with local care consultant Kathryn Bedser from CareSeekers, an independent service supporting Surrey families navigating the elderly care system. Kathryn's family shares more than 200 years of Surrey ancestry with her husband descending from the ‘Esher branch’ of the Bedser family. The wider family even met with Sir Alec to trace their shared history, remembering him as a warm, encouraging, and lovely man whose heart always remained with the care of Woking's older generation.  Following Sir Alec’s passing, Bedser Hub at Woking Community Hospital received a generous £350,000 legacy to improve healthcare of older people. Continuing this legacy of care, Weystone Manor will work closely with the Bedser Hub and Kathryn at CareSeekers to ensure local residents experience exceptional, coordinated pathways across residential and specialist dementia care.